EP3566673A1 - Method for assessing a dental situation - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for evaluating a dental situation of a target patient followed by a dental professional, said method comprising the steps of: a) acquiring, by means of a mobile phone, at least one updated image representing a dental arches of the target patient b) preparation by the mobile phone of a request containing the updated image and transmission of the request to an analysis computer c) analysis of the request by the analysis computer to determine a value for at least one dental attribute relating to the dental situation of the target patient, and transmitting the value of the dental attribute to a composition computer; d) selecting, by the composition computer, in a base of standard responses and according to said value of said at least one dental attribute, at least one relevant standard response; e) composition, by the composition computer, of a response composed from said at least one relevant type response, f) optionally, validation and / or modification of the response composed by a controller, g) transmission to the mobile phone, by the composition computer, of the composite response, optionally validated and / or modified, and presenting, on the mobile phone, the composite response, optionally validated and / or modified, the selection in step d) and the composition in step e) being determined in accordance with compositional rules of a protocol of composition.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a method for evaluating a dental situation.

State of the art

It is desirable that each one regularly check his teeth, in particular to assess his dental situation, that is to say in particular to check that the position or appearance of his teeth does not evolve unfavorably or that a device orthodontic is in good condition, or positioned. During orthodontic treatment, this unfavorable development can in particular lead to modifying the treatment. After orthodontic treatment, this unfavorable development, called "recurrence", can lead to a resumption of treatment. Finally, more generally and independently of any treatment, everyone may wish to evaluate whether his dental situation, and in particular his orthodontic situation, is satisfactory.

Classically, the controls are carried out by a dental professional, in particular an orthodontist or a dentist, who alone has a suitable equipment. These controls are therefore expensive. In addition, visits to the dental professional are binding.

• d'un modèle tridimensionnel d'une arcade dentaire d'un patient réalisé avant le traitement, dit « modèle de référence initial », puis
• d'une simple image «actualisée» de l'arcade prise pendant le traitement, par exemple d'une photographie prise par le patient avec son téléphone mobile, d'évaluer avec précision le positionnement des dents au moment de l'acquisition de l'image actualisée.

Ce procédé consiste en un processus itératif selon lequel, à chaque itération, des modèles de dents du modèle de référence initial sont déplacés, puis des conditions optimales d'observation du modèle initial ainsi modifié (dit « modèle de référence à tester ») sont déterminées, les conditions optimales d'observation étant définies comme les conditions permettant d'observer le modèle de référence à tester de manière que la vue dudit modèle soit la plus proche possible de l'image actualisée. On teste une succession de « modèles de référence à tester » jusqu'à obtenir un niveau de correspondance maximal entre un modèle de référence à tester et l'image actualisée. Ce dernier modèle de référence à tester est alors considéré comme représentant les dents dans leur position au moment de l'acquisition de l'image actualisée. Idéalement, ce modèle, dit « modèle de référence actualisé », est un modèle de référence tridimensionnel numérique à partir duquel l'image actualisée aurait pu être prise si ce modèle avait été réel. En pratique, il représente effectivement, avec une grande précision, les dents dans leur position au moment de l'acquisition de l'image actualisée.To limit the number of these visits, the Applicant has developed a method which, from

• of a three-dimensional model of a patient's dental arch made before the treatment, called the "initial reference model", then
• a simple "updated" image of the arch taken during the treatment, for example a photograph taken by the patient with his mobile phone, to accurately assess the positioning of the teeth at the time of acquisition of the updated image.

This method consists in an iterative process according to which, at each iteration, tooth models of the initial reference model are displaced, and optimal conditions of observation of the initial modified model (referred to as the "reference model to be tested") are determined. , the optimal conditions of observation being defined as the conditions making it possible to observe the reference model to be tested so that the view of said model as close as possible to the updated image. A succession of "reference models to be tested" is tested until a maximum level of correspondence is reached between a reference model to be tested and the updated image. This last reference model to be tested is then considered as representing the teeth in their position at the time of acquisition of the updated image. Ideally, this model, called the "updated reference model", is a three-dimensional numerical reference model from which the updated image could have been taken if this model had been real. In practice, it effectively represents, with great precision, the teeth in their position at the time of acquisition of the updated image.

Comparison of the initial and updated reference models then makes it possible to evaluate the patient's dental situation. The assessment of the dental situation is conventionally carried out by a centralized computer, remotely processing the requests sent by the patients with their mobile phones and containing the updated images. This process is described in particular in PCT / EP2015 / 074896 .

The Applicant has also developed a method using an artificial intelligence algorithm, preferably a neural network, and, from a simple updated image of the patient's arch, for example a photograph taken by the patient with his mobile phone, to assess the patient's dental situation. For this purpose, the neural network is previously trained by means of a learning base typically comprising more than 10,000, preferably more than 50,000, preferably more than 100,000 records, each record containing a historical image of preferably a photo, a "historic" dental arch and a "historical" description providing values for attributes of the historical image, and in particular for attributes to evaluate the patient's dental situation. As the process described in PCT / EP2015 / 074896 , the evaluation of the dental situation by artificial intelligence is preferably performed by a centralized computer, remotely processing the requests sent by patients with their mobile phones and containing the updated images.

Advantageously, the two processes of the Applicant described above limit the number of visits to the dental professional and do not require expensive specific equipment.

However, the patients to whom these methods are proposed do not use it sufficiently. In particular, we see that many patients stop sending requests after a few weeks.

There is therefore a need for a method that improves the rate of patient participation.

In addition, there is an ongoing need to train patients in good hygiene practices, and in particular brushing teeth.

Finally, the assessment of the dental situation performed by the centralized computer is not always well adapted to the needs of the dental professional. In particular, it may be useless when the dental situation is satisfactory. It may also be insufficiently detailed to make a diagnosis or recommendation.

An object of the present invention is to meet, at least partially, these needs.

Summary of the invention

1. a) acquisition, au moyen d'un téléphone mobile, d'au moins une image représentant une arcade dentaire du patient cible, dite « image actualisée » ;
2. b) préparation, par le téléphone mobile, d'une requête comportant l'image actualisée, et transmission de la requête à un ordinateur d'analyse ;
3. c) analyse de la requête par l'ordinateur d'analyse, de manière à déterminer une valeur pour au moins un attribut dentaire relatif à la situation dentaire du patient cible, et transmission de la valeur de l'attribut dentaire à un ordinateur de composition ;
4. d) sélection, par l'ordinateur de composition, dans une base de réponses-types et en fonction de ladite valeur dudit au moins un attribut dentaire, d'au moins une réponse-type pertinente ;
5. e) composition, par l'ordinateur de composition, d'une réponse composée à partir de ladite au moins une réponse type pertinente ;
6. f) optionnellement, validation et/ou modification de la réponse composée par un contrôleur ;
7. g) présentation de la réponse composée, optionnellement validée et/ou modifiée ;

la sélection à l'étape d) et la composition à l'étape e) étant déterminées conformément à des règles de composition d'un protocole de composition.The invention provides a method for evaluating a dental situation of a target patient followed by a dental professional, said method comprising the steps of:

1. a) acquisition, by means of a mobile phone, of at least one image representing a dental arch of the target patient, called "updated image";
2. b) preparing, by the mobile phone, a request comprising the updated image, and transmitting the request to an analysis computer;
3. c) analysis of the request by the analysis computer, so as to determine a value for at least one dental attribute relating to the dental situation of the target patient, and transmission of the value of the dental attribute to a composition computer ;
4. d) selecting, by the composition computer, in a base of standard responses and according to said value of said at least one dental attribute, at least one relevant standard response;
5. e) composing, by the composition computer, a composite response from said at least one relevant standard response;
6. f) optionally, validation and / or modification of the composite response by a controller;
7. g) presentation of the composite answer, optionally validated and / or modified;

the selection in step d) and the composition in step e) being determined in accordance with compositional rules of a compositional protocol.

According to a first main aspect of the invention, in step g), the composition computer transmits the composite response, optionally validated and / or modified, to the mobile telephone, and on the mobile phone presents the composite response, optionally validated and / or modified.

As will be seen in more detail in the remainder of the description, a method according to the first main aspect of the invention makes it possible to respond in a personalized way, but automatically, to the target patient.

In particular, the inventors have discovered that patients stop sending requests when they do not receive an answer and that dental professionals do not always respond to all the requests they receive. By systematizing the response procedure, the participation rate of patients increases significantly.

The inventors have also observed that the insertion of tips in composite responses advantageously makes it possible to educate patients to good practices, and in particular to improve oral hygiene.

The composition protocol may be common to all patients in a group of patients of the dental professional or may be patient specific.

According to a second main aspect of the invention, in step g), the composition computer transmits and presents to the dental professional the composite response, optionally validated and / or modified.

The composite response may advantageously consist of a medical check-up, and preferably include advice for the dental professional, adapted to the medical check-up.

• décider des seuils à partir desquels il souhaite qu'une réponse composée lui soit transmise, et/ou
• définir le niveau de détail qu'il souhaite dans la réponse composée, et/ou
• décider si la réponse composée doit comporter des préconisations médicales, et/ou
• décider des informations qu'il souhaite mettre en évidence dans la réponse composée, et/ou
• définir un ou plusieurs autres destinataires de la réponse composée, par exemple pour accélérer la commande d'un article orthodontique ou préparer le prochain rendez-vous avec le patient cible.

As will be seen in more detail in the following description, a method according to the second main aspect of the invention allows to respond in a personalized way, but automatically, to the dental professional. By defining the composition protocol, the dental professional can for example:

• decide the thresholds from which he wishes a composite response to be sent to him, and / or
• define the level of detail desired in the composite response, and / or
• decide whether the composite answer should include medical recommendations, and / or
• decide which information he wishes to highlight in the composite answer, and / or
• define one or more other recipients of the composite response, for example to speed up the ordering of an orthodontic item or prepare the next appointment with the target patient.

• la valeur de l'attribut dentaire qualifie ou quantifie la situation dentaire générale du patient cible et/ou une situation orthodontique ;
• la valeur de l'attribut dentaire qualifie ou quantifie un état d'un appareil orthodontique représenté sur l'image actualisée et/ou un état d'une dent du patient cible représentée sur l'image actualisée et/ou l'hygiène bucco-dentaire du patient ;
• avant l'étape e), le professionnel des soins dentaires sélectionne le protocole de composition dans une base de protocoles paramétrés et/ou crée le protocole de composition en sélectionnant un protocole de composition dans une base de protocoles paramétrés puis en le modifiant ;
• avant l'étape e), le professionnel des soins dentaires configure le protocole de composition de manière à sélectionner une région de la bouche du patient pour que l'analyse à l'étape c) et/ou la sélection de la réponse-type pertinente à l'étape d) ne portent que sur ladite région ;
• à l'étape d), l'ordinateur sélectionne au moins une réponse-type en fonction de données relatives au patient cible non déterminables par l'analyse de la situation dentaire de l'étape c) ;
• avant l'étape d), l'ordinateur de composition évalue
  • la réaction du patient cible, en particulier suivant le premier aspect principal de l'invention, et/ou
  • la réaction du professionnel de soins dentaires, en particulier suivant le deuxième aspect principal de l'invention, suite à l'envoi d'une réponse composée antérieure générée lors d'une étape g) antérieure, puis, à l'étape d), sélectionne ladite réponse-type en fonction de l'évaluation de ladite réaction ;
• la réponse composée antérieure est une réponse générée lors d'un cycle d'étapes a) à g) antérieur, à partir d'une image actualisée antérieure, ou est une réponse générée lors d'une étape g) antérieure portant sur ladite image actualisée ;
• au moins une règle de composition est configurée pour agir sur ladite composition en fonction de la dite au moins une réponse type pertinente sélectionnée à l'étape d), et/ou en fonction de données relatives au patient cible et/ou en fonction de données relatives au professionnel de soins dentaires ;
• la règle de composition est configurée pour agir sur ladite composition en fonction de données relatives au patient cible non déterminables par l'analyse de la situation dentaire de l'étape c) ;
• à l'étape f), le contrôleur est un professionnel des soins dentaires identique ou différent du professionnel des soins dentaires qui suit le patient cible ;
• dans un mode de réalisation, l'ordinateur d'analyse et/ou l'ordinateur de composition sont intégrés dans le téléphone mobile ;
• dans un mode de réalisation, l'ordinateur d'analyse et/ou l'ordinateur de composition sont à distance du téléphone mobile, et, en particulier peuvent être dans un centre d'évaluation avec lequel le téléphone mobile communique, le centre d'évaluation traitant informatiquement, de préférence, des requêtes en provenance de patients de plus de 1, plus de 5, plus de 50, plus de 100, de préférence plus de 1000 professionnels de soins dentaires ;
• suivant le premier aspect principal de l'invention, l'ordinateur de composition compose de préférence, suivant un protocole de composition identique ou différent de celui mis en oeuvre à l'étape d) et à l'étape e), un bilan médical en fonction de ladite valeur dudit au moins un attribut dentaire, et présente ledit bilan médical au professionnel de soins dentaires.

A method according to the invention may also comprise one or more of the following optional features:

• the value of the dental attribute qualifies or quantifies the general dental situation of the target patient and / or an orthodontic situation;
• the value of the dental attribute qualifies or quantifies a state of an orthodontic appliance represented on the updated image and / or a state of a tooth of the target patient represented on the updated image and / or oral hygiene the patient;
• before step e), the dental professional selects the composition protocol in a parameterized protocol base and / or creates the composition protocol by selecting a composition protocol in a parameterized protocol base and then modifying it;
• prior to step e), the dental professional configures the composition protocol to select a region of the patient's mouth for the analysis in step c) and / or selection of the relevant standard response in step d) relate only to said region;
• in step d), the computer selects at least one standard response based on non-determinable target patient data by analyzing the dental situation of step c);
• before step d), the composition computer evaluates
  • the reaction of the target patient, in particular according to the first main aspect of the invention, and / or
  • the reaction of the dental professional, in particular according to the second main aspect of the invention, following the sending of an earlier composite response generated in a previous step g), then, in step d), selecting said standard response according to the evaluation of said reaction;
• the prior composite response is a response generated during a previous cycle of steps a) to g), from an earlier updated image, or is a response generated in a previous step g) on said updated image ;
• at least one composition rule is configured to act on said composition according to said at least one relevant type response selected in step d), and / or according to data relating to the target patient and / or according to data relating to the dental professional;
• the composition rule is configured to act on said composition according to data relating to the target patient that can not be determined by analyzing the dental situation of step c);
• in step f), the controller is a dental professional identical or different from the dental professional who follows the target patient;
• in one embodiment, the analysis computer and / or the composition computer are integrated into the mobile phone;
• in one embodiment, the analysis computer and / or the composition computer are remote from the mobile phone, and in particular may be in an evaluation center with which the mobile phone communicates, the center of assessment processing preferably, preferably, requests from patients over 1, more than 5, more than 50, more than 100, preferably more than 1000 dental professionals;
• according to the first main aspect of the invention, the composition computer preferably composes, according to a protocol of identical or different composition from that used in step d) and in step e), a medical assessment in according to said value of said at least one dental attribute, and presents said medical report to the dental professional.

Of course, the two main aspects of the invention are not incompatible. In particular, the method can be used, for the same dental situation, to generate a composite response intended for the target patient and another composite response intended for the dental professional, preferably according to two composition protocols. different. For the sake of clarity, in this description, the composition protocol used to generate a composite response intended for the dental professional is described as "professional".

Definitions

The "representation of a dental arch" is a representation of all or part of said arch.

By "target patient" is meant any person for whom a method according to the invention is implemented to assess the dental situation, whether the person is sick or not.

By "mobile phone" is meant any portable device for taking pictures or movies and communicating via a mobile phone network.

By "computer" is meant a computer processing unit. This unit can be included in particular in the mobile phone or be a PC-type computer or a server of an "assessment center", for example a computer located at the dental professional. The mobile phone and the computer then comprise communication means for exchanging with each other, in particular for transmitting the request comprising the updated image and / or the composite response.

By "image" is meant a two-dimensional image, such as a photograph or an image of a video. An image is formed of pixels.

"Understand", "include" and "present" should be interpreted in a broad and non-limiting manner unless otherwise indicated.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 illustre la mise en oeuvre d'un procédé selon l'invention dans un mode de réalisation dans lequel l'analyse de la requête et la composition de la réponse composée sont effectuées à distance du téléphone mobile, et
• la figure 2 illustre l'utilisation d'un écarteur ;
• la figure 3 illustre la mise en oeuvre d'un procédé selon l'invention dans un mode de réalisation dans lequel l'analyse de la requête et la composition de la réponse composée sont effectuées dans le téléphone mobile.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description and on examining the appended drawing in which:

• the figure 1 illustrates the implementation of a method according to the invention in an embodiment in which the analysis of the request and the composition of the composite response are performed remotely from the mobile phone, and
• the figure 2 illustrates the use of a spacer;
• the figure 3 illustrates the implementation of a method according to the invention in an embodiment in which the analysis of the request and the composition of the composite response are performed in the mobile phone.

Detailed description of a first embodiment

A method according to the invention comprises the steps mentioned above. This method is described in detail within the scope of the first main aspect of the invention, to present a compound response to the target patient.

The method then aims to automatically generate responses to patient requests. For this purpose, the method uses a composition protocol, applicable to the target patient or to a group of patients of the dental professional, and which sets the composition rules governing step e).

Preferably, the group of patients, or "cohort", comprises more than 20, more than 50, more than one hundred, more than three hundred, more than five hundred, even more than one thousand patients. In one embodiment, the patient group includes all patients followed by the dental professional. Advantageously, the dental professional can thus apply the same procedure regardless of the patient considered.

The cohort can also include patients with the same pathologies, for example all patients with sleep apnea.

The composition protocol includes a set of composition rules that determine the selection of the relevant standard-responses, as well as how the selected relevant standard-responses are modified and / or arranged to compose the composite response.

The standard response database in which relevant standard responses are selected may have more than 100, more than 500, or more than 1000 standard responses.

In particular, it may include messages providing information on the dental situation of the target patient, messages providing a recommendation, for example relating to the brushing of a particular tooth, messages of congratulation or encouragement, warning messages. , reassuring messages or messages asking the patient to make an appointment with the dental professional.

For the selection of the relevant standard answers, a composition rule can be a simple filter determining whether or not an associated standard response can be integrated into the composite response.

For the modification of the relevant standard answers, for example, a composition rule may impose a particular format for a selected standard response, for example imposing a page background, a font, a character size or a color of characters. or impose a translation into a particular language, for example in a language known to the target patient, or impose a particular language register.

For the arrangement of the relevant standard answers, possibly modified, a composition rule can be to simply display all the relevant standard answers, for example in an email. A composition rule can also determine the position of each relevant standard answer according to its content or the category to which it belongs.

A composition rule can be applied to an associated standard response, to a set of associated standard responses, ie to a "category" of standard responses, to all selected standard responses, or to the compound answer.

A composition rule can be conditional or unconditional.

In particular, its action may depend on data relating to the target patient, and in particular his dental situation, particularly orthodontic (or "clinical situation").

Its action may also depend on one or more other standard responses selected to respond to receipt of the refreshed image and / or one or more selected standard responses to compose a compound response that has been previously sent to the target patient. and / or the reaction of the target patient to one or more earlier compound responses previously sent to him, preferably in the same orthodontic setting (same period between two orthodontic treatments or even orthodontic treatment).

The action of a composition rule may also depend on the reactions of one or more other "historical" patients to one or more of the earlier compound responses generated in accordance with the invention that have been sent to them. previously, preferably in the context of orthodontic treatments substantially identical to that of the target patient.

The action of a compositional rule may still depend on characteristics of the target patient independent of his dental situation, for example, his age or sex, or the emotional proximity between the target patient and the dental professional, in particular to determine whether the familiarity should be used.

The action of a composition rule can still depend on the history of the target patient, ie, for example, the treatments he has undergone, or the requests he has sent in the past, or his behavior during treatments. It may in particular depend on the value, determined in at least one prior step c), for at least one dental attribute relating to the dental situation of the target patient, that is to say of the image analysis. updated other cycles of steps a) to f).

The action of a composition rule can also depend on data independent of the target patient, or "external data". For example, it may depend on the time of year when the target patient's request was received, for example to wish a happy new year in early January.

It may also depend on an arbitrary choice of the dental professional, in particular his / her own choice to communicate about a particular dental situation or region of the patient's mouth.

The following examples illustrate the variety of possible composition rules:
A composition rule that depends on the dental situation of the target patient, that is to say the value of at least one dental attribute, can be for example: "if the dental attribute value is" orthodontic splint detached of the tooth n ° 13 ", select the following relevant standard answer: 'The images that you transmitted to us allowed us to detect a detachment of your orthodontic gutter on a canine of right, on the upper arch'".

A composition rule whose effect depends on the standard answer to which it applies can be for example: "to impose a red color for the only relevant standard answers relating to warnings".

A composition rule that modifies a relevant standard response or the composite response as a whole can be for example: "if the target patient is English, use only standard answers in English", or " if the target patient is English, translate the compound answer in English ".

Other conditional composition rules that take into account past events may be, for example: " if the target patient did not respond to the previous reminder, this standard response can not be selected as the relevant standard response " or "if the response -type # 8 has been selected as the relevant standard response for composing the previous composite response, the standard answer # 9 can not be selected as the relevant standard response ".

A compositional rule that applies to composite response and depends on patient data can be, for example: " If the target patient is a male, enter the compound answer with 'Dear Sir ' followed by the name of the target patient, in lower case, with a first letter capitalized ".

A composition rule whose effect depends on previous exchanges with the target patient may be, for example, "if the target patient has not made an appointment despite two successive retries, select the relevant standard answer. essential that you make a quick appointment. Your dental situation is getting worse.

A compositional rule whose effect depends on an arbitrary choice of the dental professional can be for example: "not to integrate, in the composite response, an alert concerning occlusal interferences", or "not to integrate, in the composite response, alert for tooth # 12 ".

In one embodiment, the composition protocol is unique and fixed. Preferably, however, the dental professional may choose it from a protocol template database and / or modify the parameter values of the composition rules.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the protocol templates are pre-parameterized and the dental professional modifies the values of the parameters, for example depending on the type of patient and / or choices that are specific to him and / or specificities of the patient. For example, it can use a preset protocol template for an adult and change parameter values to make it child-friendly.

The choices may be specific to the dental professional. For example, according to dental professionals, the dialing protocol will have to signal the appearance of malocclusion or not. Parameter values may therefore be independent of the patient and the treatment and may be an arbitrary decision of the dental professional.

To set the parameter values, a check box can be associated with each standard response of the standard response database, with the activation or deactivation of this box defining whether or not the standard response can be used as a response. relevant type. The value of this check box is an example of the value of a parameter in a composition rule that defines the ability or the prohibition to use the standard response.

More preferably, the standard answers are classified into categories. Preferably, at least one parameter concerns all the standard responses of a category, that is to say that the value of this parameter is applicable to all the standard responses of this category. The setting by the dental professional is advantageously simplified.

Preferably, when the dental professional can choose the dialing protocol in a protocol template database, the protocol templates have default values for each of the settings and the dental professional can change the parameter values.

Preferably, the dental professional can set the composition protocol to select a region of the mouth on which the analysis in step c) and / or the composition in step e) should carry. In particular, preferably, the composition protocol is configured to allow selection of the teeth.

Advantageously, the composite response will therefore not include information on other part of the mouth that said region. In addition, the analysis in step c) will be accelerated.

Prior to step a), a reminder preferably informs the target patient of the need to acquire a refreshed image. This reminder is sent to his mobile phone, for example in the form of an email, an alert or an SMS.

In step a), an updated image of the dental arch of the target patient is acquired by means of a mobile phone. Step a) is preferably performed by the target patient or a close relative of the target patient. Step a) can advantageously be carried out at a distance from assessment center, particularly more than 1 km, or more than 5 km from the assessment center, especially outside the orthodontic practice.

Preferably, the updated image is a photograph, in particular a panoramic photograph. In one embodiment, the updated image is extracted from a film.

Preferably, a spacer is used in step a), as shown in FIG. figure 2 . A spacer is a well known device, having chutes 12 extending around an opening 14. The target patient has his lips in the troughs, which allows to separate them and improve the observation of the dental arches through the opening. Preferably, a retractor is delivered to the target patient, for example during an appointment with his orthodontist.

In step b), a request is prepared by an application loaded into the mobile phone. This request includes a updated image acquired in step a), but also information to identify the origin of the request, that is to say a target patient identifier "patient_ID".

The request is processed by an "analysis computer", which can in particular be a processing module integrated in the mobile phone or be a computer of a remote evaluation center of the mobile phone.

In the latter case, the request is transmitted to the analysis computer by the mobile phone. All known communication means can be used for this purpose. The transmission can be in particular carried out by a mobile telephone network to which the mobile phone is subscribed.

The analysis computer may receive requests from a plurality of target patients of the dental professional, and in particular when in an assessment center, preferably from several dental professionals. Preferably, it receives requests of more than 1000, more than 10,000, preferably more than 50,000, more preferably more than 100,000 target patients.

In step c), the analysis computer analyzes the request. In particular, it analyzes the updated image in order to evaluate the dental situation of the target patient. In one embodiment, the assessment of the dental situation of the target patient is validated and / or modified, in particular completed, by a dental professional. The care professional The dentists can also act accordingly, for example to order a new orthodontic gutter when the evaluation indicates that the one worn by the target patient is no longer suitable.

The analysis of the updated image can in particular implement optimization methods, and in particular metaheuristic methods, as described in FIG. PCT / EP2015 / 074896 . The method described in this document enables it in particular to determine the possible displacements of the teeth represented on the updated image, and / or changes in their shape or appearance. The analysis can also use artificial intelligence algorithms, and in particular a neural network using a learning base. These algorithms are well known.

In one embodiment, the analysis uses only the information provided by the refreshed image.

In a preferred embodiment, the analysis performed in step c) uses not only the information contained in the updated image, but also data relating to the target patient, extracted from a database "BD_patients" to from the identifier of the target patient determined from the request. The analysis is advantageously more precise.

The database of patient data "BD_patients" can in particular contain general information on each patient, for example his age, information on the treatment in progress or treatments in the past, and information on previous exchanges between the patient and the analysis computer.

The analysis of the updated image makes it possible to determine a value for at least one attribute relating to the dental situation of the target patient, or "dental attribute".

The dental attribute can be relative to the general dental situation, and for example take the values "satisfactory dental situation" or "unsatisfactory dental situation", relative to a state of an orthodontic appliance represented on the updated image, and take by for example, the values "intact device" or "damaged device", relating to the state of a tooth, and take for example the values "abraded tooth", "broken tooth", or "decayed tooth".

The values of a dental attribute can also be quantitative. For example, a value of an attribute can define the extent to which a tooth has moved, has been abraded, or has changed in appearance.

The values of the dental attributes are then transmitted by the analysis computer to a "composition computer", which may be the same or different from the analysis computer. All known communication means can be used for this purpose.

The composition computer can also be integrated into the mobile phone.

In step d), the composition computer selects one or more standard answers relevant to the dental situation. For this purpose, it searches in a base of standard responses, "BD_responses-types", one or more standard responses responding to the dental attribute values determined in step c) and the composition rules.

The composition rules preferably allow selection based on data relating to the target patient, and in particular relating to the treatment of the target patient.

For example, if a dental attribute value indicates a detachment of an orthodontic splint, such detachment can be interpreted differently depending on the effectiveness of the current treatment. For example, if the target patient data indicates that the detachment appeared very quickly, the computer can also select the appropriate standard response: " Thank you for making an urgent appointment ". If, on the contrary, this detachment follows a very slow evolution of the position of the teeth, the computer can select the relevant standard answer: "We thank you for making an appointment with the orthodontist within two months".

Several relevant standard answers can be selected for the same aspect of the dental situation. For example, a first relevant standard response may relate to the detachment of the gutter and a second relevant standard response may relate to an abnormal deformation of this gutter.

Different relevant standard answers can be selected for different aspects of the dental situation. For example, a relevant standard answer may relate to the detachment of the orthodontic gutter and a second relevant standard answer may be related to the appearance of a caries.

In step e), a response is composed by the composition computer, according to the composition protocol, from the relevant standard answer (s) determined in step d).

The composition step may be limited to the preparation of a message, for example an SMS or an email literally repeating the relevant standard answer (s).

The composition of the composite response may also include formatting or formatting operations, for example, to introduce a courtesy formula or the signature of the dental professional who follows the target patient.

The composition of the composite response may also include an arrangement operation of the different relevant standard responses received, and the introduction of linking sentences between these different relevant standard-answers.

The target patient data may also be used to modify the standard response (s) so that they are better adapted to the target patient, eg translated into a target patient's target language.

Preferably, step e) provides a response similar to that which a dental professional could have written, preferably in a language register adapted to the target patient.

In step f), the response composed by the composition computer is preferably subjected to a controller so that it validates or modifies it, for example by completing it. The controller is a dental professional who may be the same or different from the one who follows the target patient. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the controller controls and / or modifies composite responses for patients of more than 1, more than 5, more than 10, or even more than 50 dental professionals. In one embodiment, the controller does not have its own patient.

In one embodiment, the relevant standard response is or is not verified by a controller, depending on the relevant standard response.

In step g), if the dialing computer is not integrated in the mobile phone, the composite reply is sent to the mobile phone by the dialing computer, preferably by means of a mobile telephone network.

The compound answer is then presented on the mobile phone. Advantageously, the target patient therefore quickly receives a response to his request, well adapted to his dental situation.

Preferably, a compound response is systematically presented to the patient for each occurrence of step a).

More preferably, an informational message is also presented to the dental professional who follows the patient. The information message may be a copy of the compound response or be personalized, according to the second main aspect of the invention. A method according to the invention thus advantageously allows the professional to systematically obtain a report of the dental situation of the patient and act accordingly.

The method can also be used to inform the patient to improve his oral hygiene, for example to teach him to brush his teeth better.

• de l'analyse de l'image actualisée ;
• de la liste des réponses-types disponibles dans la base des réponses-types ;
• du protocole de composition.

As it is clear now, the composite response therefore depends on:

• the analysis of the updated image;
• the list of standard answers available in the standard answer database;
• the composition protocol.

A method according to the invention thus makes it possible to answer a question concerning the dental situation of a target patient in a rapid manner, without any constraint for the dental professional, and specifies.

The method may in particular be implemented to control the course of orthodontic treatment, after the installation of an apparatus for correcting the positioning of the teeth of the target patient, called "active orthodontic appliance".

The method can also be implemented after orthodontic treatment, to check that the positioning of the teeth does not evolve unfavorably ("recurrence"), especially after the installation of an apparatus for holding the teeth in position, said " passive orthodontic appliance ".

Example

In a preferred embodiment, a pre-parameterized protocol template is presented to the dental professional when he wants to apply a dialing protocol to compose and address a compound response to a specific target patient.

Preferably, the protocol model lists standard responses classified, for example, according to the setting in which the target patient is followed, for example according to the orthodontic appliance possibly worn by the patient (orthodontic splint, arc appliance and fasteners, restraints, etc.) or out of orthodontic treatment (general intra-oral evaluation).

Preferably, the standard answers are further classified within these categories in subcategories, for example according to the element of the orthodontic appliance concerned. For example, in the category of orthodontic appliances with bows and attachments, the standard answers can be classified in subcategories "bow" and "fasteners" depending on whether they relate to the bow or the fasteners, respectively .

Preferably, the standard responses are still classified within these subcategories in items, for example depending on the nature of the anomaly. For example, in the fastener subcategory, the standard answers may be classified in "peeled fastener" and "damaged fastener" sections depending on whether they relate to peel or damage to the fastener, respectively.

• choisir le niveau d'alerte, par exemple choisir de ne rien faire, d'informer le patient cible, ou d'alerter le patient avec l'ajout d'un indicateur d'importance haute ; et/ou
• choisir les dents à exclure de l'analyse à l'étape c), et donc pour lesquelles la réponse composée ne comportera pas d'information ; et/ou
• choisir un message pour le patient cible, de préférence dans une liste prédéfinie ; et/ou
• choisir un message pour le professionnel de soins dentaires, de préférence dans une liste prédéfinie.

For each standard answer, the dental professional may preferably:

• choose the level of alert, for example choosing to do nothing, informing the target patient, or alerting the patient with the addition of an indicator of high importance; and or
• choose the teeth to exclude from the analysis in step c), and therefore for which the composite response will not include information; and or
• choose a message for the target patient, preferably in a predefined list; and or
• choose a message for the dental professional, preferably in a pre-defined list.

• définir la fréquence à laquelle des scans seront demandés au patient en l'absence d'instructions spécifiques adressées au patient cible par le professionnel de soins dentaires (étape a)) ;
• définir la fréquence à laquelle des scans seront demandés au patient en cas d'instructions spécifiques adressées au patient cible par le professionnel de soins dentaires, par exemple pour lui indiquer qu'il doit changer de gouttière orthodontique (étape a)).

Preferably, regardless of the standard responses, the pre-parameterized protocol model also allows the dental professional to:

• define the frequency at which scans will be requested from the patient in the absence of specific instructions to the target patient by the dental professional (step (a));
• define the frequency with which scans will be requested from the patient in case of specific instructions to the target patient by the dental professional, for example to indicate that he must change the orthodontic gutter (step a)).

Detailed description of a second embodiment

A method according to the second main aspect of the invention may comprise one or more of the optional features of the method according to the first main aspect of the invention described above, except incompatibility.

A method according to the second main aspect of the invention is intended to present the dental professional a composite response through a protocol of "professional" composition identical or, preferably, different from that used to compose the composite response intended to the target patient.

Preferably, the professional composition protocol makes it possible to define thresholds from which a composite response must be composed and transmitted to the dental professional. For example, the professional dialing protocol makes it possible to determine whether a dental situation, for example a non-pathological malocclusion, should be reported to the dental professional or not.

Preferably, the professional composition protocol makes it possible to define a level of detail for the composite response, for example to specify displacement or deformation values of the teeth.

Preferably, the professional composition protocol makes it possible to determine whether the composite response must include medical recommendations, for example to advise a particular procedure such as tomography imaging, or modification of an orthodontic appliance, or change target patient's orthodontic appliance, or more generally the modification of the treatment.

In one embodiment, the composite response intended for the dental professional does not provide a diagnosis and / or involves no medical recommendation.

Preferably, the professional dialing protocol makes it possible to determine whether the composite response must include recommendations for modifying the schedule of appointments with the target patient and / or modifying the dialing protocol used to compose the compound responses for the target patient. and / or modifying the frequency of the reminders addressed to the target patient to implement a step a).

Preferably, the professional dialing protocol also makes it possible to determine the format of the composite response, as described above.

Preferably, the professional dialing protocol also makes it possible to define a list of recipients of the composite answer, or even to define specific documents to be sent to the recipients.

Preferably, the professional dialing protocol also allows the dental professional to be informed that he / she must undertake new tasks. For example, it may lead to composing a compound response to inform a dental assistant that she must prepare the next care session as a result of the dental attribute values determined in step c). For example, the medical assistant may be informed that she needs to prepare a tray for the next treatment session, in particular to have the consumable care material needed for this session.

Preferably, the professional dialing protocol also makes it possible to automatically start new tasks. For example, the professional dialing protocol can lead to the generation of a mail or an email to a prosthetist to make a prosthesis, or to the target patient to make an appointment. The professional composition protocol can also, for example, lead to the generation of a command of orthodontic appliance parts, for example fasteners, and / or an orthodontic appliance, for example a gutter.

The method can be used to provide control of the target patient, especially outside the periods of orthodontic treatment or dental care. Dental problems, for example an early caries or necrosis of a soft tissue or infection, can therefore be detected early or even anticipated, especially if the analysis in step c) implements of artificial intelligence.

The implementation of a professional composition protocol allows the dental professional to save time, but also to obtain a medical report well adapted to his preferences.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown.

In particular, the target patient is not limited to a human being. A method according to the invention can be used for another animal.

Claims (16)

A method of evaluating a dental situation of a target patient followed by a dental professional, said method comprising the steps of: a) acquiring, by means of a mobile phone, at least one updated image representing a dental arch of the target patient; b) preparing, by the mobile phone, a request comprising the updated image, and transmitting the request to an analysis computer; c) analysis of the request by the analysis computer, so as to determine a value for at least one dental attribute relating to the dental situation of the target patient, and transmission of the value of the dental attribute to a composition computer ; d) selecting, by the composition computer, in a base of standard responses and according to said value of said at least one dental attribute, at least one relevant standard response; e) composing, by the composition computer, a composite response from said at least one relevant standard response; f) optionally, validation and / or modification of the composite response by a controller; g) presentation of the composite answer, optionally validated and / or modified; the selection in step d) and the composition in step e) being determined in accordance with compositional rules of a compositional protocol. A method according to the immediately preceding claim, wherein, in step g), the composition computer transmits the composite response, optionally validated and / or modified, to the mobile telephone, and the mobile phone presents the composite response, optionally validated and / or modified. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition protocol is common to all patients in a group of patients of the dental professional. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step c) the value of the dental attribute qualifies or quantifies the general dental situation of the target patient and / or an orthodontic situation. A method according to the immediately preceding claim, wherein in step c) the value of the dental attribute qualifies or quantifies a state of an orthodontic appliance represented on the updated image and / or a state of a tooth of the target patient represented on the updated image and / or oral hygiene of the patient. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step c) said analysis is performed by means of an artificial intelligence algorithm. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein prior to step e), the dental professional selects the composition protocol from a protocol template database and / or creates the composition protocol by selecting a template of protocol into a protocol template database, and then modify it. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein prior to step e) the dental professional configures the composition protocol to select a region of the patient's mouth for analysis at the stage c) and / or the selection of the relevant standard response in step d) relate only to said region. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step d) the composition computer selects at least one standard response based on non-determinable patient target data by the analysis of the dental situation. of step c). The method of the immediately preceding claim, wherein, prior to step d), the computer evaluates the target patient's response following the sending of an earlier composite response generated in a previous step g), and then, at step d) selects said at least one standard response based on the evaluation of said reaction. A method according to the immediately preceding claim, wherein the prior composite response is a response generated in a previous cycle of steps a) to g), from an earlier refreshed image, or is a response generated during a step g) on said updated image. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one composition rule is configured to act on said composition according to said at least one relevant type response selected in step d), and / or according to data target patient and / or dental professional data. The method of the immediately preceding claim, wherein the composition rule is configured to act on said composition based on target patient data not determinable by the analysis of the dental situation of step c). A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step f), the controller is a dental professional different from the dental professional who follows the target patient, and wherein the controller controls and / or modifies compound responses for patients with more than 5 dental professionals. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the analysis computer and the composition computer are integrated in the mobile phone, or in which the analysis computer and / or the composition computer are distance from the mobile phone. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the composition computer composes, according to a protocol of identical or different composition from that used in step d) and in step e), a medical assessment in according to said value of said at least one dental attribute, and presents said medical report to the dental professional.

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